The Role of Genetic and Metabolomic Profiling in Response to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Among Individuals with Moderate Fitness Levels

Ghorbani Asiabar, Mojtaba; Ghorbani Asiabar, Morteza; Ghorbani Asiabar, Alireza

doi:10.22054/nass.2025.86341.1175

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Post-doctorate in Physical Education, Farhangian University, Qazvin, Iran.

² Payam Noor University, Qazvin, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/nass.2025.86341.1175

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of genetic polymorphisms and metabolomic profiles on physiological adaptations to a 6-week High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program in individuals with moderate fitness levels, addressing the variability in exercise response. Method: Thirty moderately fit adults participated in a supervised 6-week HIIT intervention. Pre- and post-training assessments included VO2max, lactate threshold, genetic profiling of key polymorphisms (e.g., PPARGC1A rs8192678) using PCR and next-generation sequencing, and untargeted metabolomic analysis via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Statistical analyses involved paired t-tests, multivariate regression, principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Results: Significant improvements were observed in VO2max (p < 0.001) and lactate threshold (p = 0.004). Carriers of the PPARGC1A G allele showed greater aerobic capacity gains, accompanied by upregulation of PGC-1α expression. Metabolomic profiling revealed significant shifts in glucose and lipid metabolism pathways post-HIIT. Multivariate models identified interactions between genetic variants and metabolomic changes that predicted individual training responsiveness. Conclusion: Integrating genetic and metabolomic data enhances understanding of individual variability in HIIT adaptations and supports the development of personalized exercise prescriptions to optimize health and performance outcomes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Exercise Physiology

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The Role of Genetic and Metabolomic Profiling in Response to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Among Individuals with Moderate Fitness Levels

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Volume 6, Issue 11June 2024Pages 181-204

Volume 6, Issue 11
June 2024
Pages 181-204